<p>Golf as such is looking for new audiences and trying to woo younger generations and in general looking to expand its fan base. The sport has been around for a couple of hundred years and it’s basics have been ‘almost’ untouched. But it is now beginning to see some changes and this week at the Scottish Open along with Hero Challenge is another example of that.<br /><br />First, it is great to be back in Europe after a long time and it’s been a while since I played on the European Tour. Actually not since my fifth place at the Hero Indian Open. After that I stayed focussed on the PGA Tour and it has paid off in some ways. <br /><br />I have had adequate rest, worked on my game and also made myself secure for 2018, so there is a sense of relief of sorts. Also with the game in place, it does make things better.<br /><br />For one, the break that I took after the Memorial, when I went for Vipassana and then after the Travellers to spend time with my family and friends around the time of my birthday were great refreshers. It has always worked wonders for me and been soothing and relaxing.<br /><br />If there is something I crave for, it is the Majors. I missed the Masters, and that hurt a bit. Around the US Open, which I did not make, I took a break. Now I want a place in the British Open, which is among my favourite events, and the PGA Championships, where I have had my career-best result.<br /><br />This week I am here in Scotland, not just for the Scottish Open, but also for the ‘Hero Challenge’ which has taken European golf by storm. An amazing innovation with eight top players going head-to-head in a one-hole knock-out format is a fast paced exciting addition to the world of golf. <br /><br />Last year, when Hero Challenge made its debut at the British Masters at the Grove, it was a massive success with huge numbers on social media and the one-hour live coverage was a big hit among new audiences. That’s what golf wants to tap into.</p>
<p>Golf as such is looking for new audiences and trying to woo younger generations and in general looking to expand its fan base. The sport has been around for a couple of hundred years and it’s basics have been ‘almost’ untouched. But it is now beginning to see some changes and this week at the Scottish Open along with Hero Challenge is another example of that.<br /><br />First, it is great to be back in Europe after a long time and it’s been a while since I played on the European Tour. Actually not since my fifth place at the Hero Indian Open. After that I stayed focussed on the PGA Tour and it has paid off in some ways. <br /><br />I have had adequate rest, worked on my game and also made myself secure for 2018, so there is a sense of relief of sorts. Also with the game in place, it does make things better.<br /><br />For one, the break that I took after the Memorial, when I went for Vipassana and then after the Travellers to spend time with my family and friends around the time of my birthday were great refreshers. It has always worked wonders for me and been soothing and relaxing.<br /><br />If there is something I crave for, it is the Majors. I missed the Masters, and that hurt a bit. Around the US Open, which I did not make, I took a break. Now I want a place in the British Open, which is among my favourite events, and the PGA Championships, where I have had my career-best result.<br /><br />This week I am here in Scotland, not just for the Scottish Open, but also for the ‘Hero Challenge’ which has taken European golf by storm. An amazing innovation with eight top players going head-to-head in a one-hole knock-out format is a fast paced exciting addition to the world of golf. <br /><br />Last year, when Hero Challenge made its debut at the British Masters at the Grove, it was a massive success with huge numbers on social media and the one-hour live coverage was a big hit among new audiences. That’s what golf wants to tap into.</p>
